B-6 Deficiency

Vitamin B-6 belongs to the B-complex family of vitamins, which play an important role in metabolic functioning. Severe B-6 deficiency is uncommon, but a mild deficiency can also cause undesirable symptoms. Like any vitamin, B-6 can interact with medications and cause unwanted side effects; consult your doctor to discuss supplementing your diet and to test for a vitamin B-6 deficiency.

About Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is excreted in urine. Because it is not stored by the body, vitamin B-6 needs to be replenished more frequently than other vitamins, like vitamins A, D and E. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin B-6 plays an important role in neurotransmitter production, as well as the formation of hormones like serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin. It also helps the body make homocysteine, red blood cells and immune system cells.

Vitamin B-6 Anemia

Vitamin B-6 deficiency often causes a form of anemia known as vitamin B-6 deficiency anemia. Anemia results from low levels of hemoglobin. Because B-6 plays an important role in hemoglobin production, a deficiency can result in anemia. Unlike other forms of vitamin-deficiency anemia, which are caused by an inability to absorb vitamins, vitamin B-6 anemia results from inadequate dietary intake of foods containing B-6. Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing vitamin B-6 deficiency anemia, according to a February 2010 study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

Other Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B-6 deficiency can cause other symptoms as well. These include confusion, depression, irritability and sores on the tongue or in the mouth. According to MayoClinic.com, vitamin B-6 deficiency primarily affects the peripheral nerves, skin, mucous membranes and the blood cell system. In children, deficiency may also affect the central nervous system. If you have uremia, alcoholism, cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption syndromes or congestive heart failure, you may be more likely to develop vitamin B-6 deficiency.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended daily allowance, or RDA, for vitamin B-6 is 1.3mg per day for adult men and women ages 19 to 50. Adult men older than 50 need 1.7mg, and women over age 50 need 1.5mg per day. As noted by the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin B-6 helps break down protein. Therefore, increased protein intake results in a higher vitamin B-6 requirement. Discuss B-6 dosage with your doctor before choosing a supplement.